Update – Pierces Creek Bush/Grass fire – ADVICE

Twenty-three ACT Rural Fire Service units are working to extinguish the Pierces Creek fire. Crews are supported by six helicopters, and there is also three dozers, two graders and an excavator assisting emergency crews build containment lines.

Much of the fire activity today has been in the north-west where there is easy access for firefighters to manage spot fires and strengthen containment lines.

Due to back-burning operations, the size of the fire has increased to 202 hectares. There is no threat to property and no evacuations have been ordered for residents, horses or other animals.

The ACT Emergency Services Agency advises the community that the current alert level for this fire remains ADVICE. This means that while there is still a fire, there is no immediate danger to the community. The Fire Danger Rating is VERY HIGH today.

The fire continues to be uncontrolled but conditions are favourable. The fire is 7km away from the nearest suburb (Kambah). A map of the fire is available at www.esa.act.gov.au.

Paddys River Road has been opened between Point Hut Road and the entrance of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Paddys River Road remains closed from the Cotter Road picnic area (near Brindabella Road) and Tidbinbilla Road to the intersection of Point Hut Crossing. Kambah Pool Road, from Kambah Pool to Mount Vernon Drive, remains closed.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve will be open tomorrow (Sunday, 4 November 2018).

The ACT Emergency Service Agency would also like to thank all the Canberrans they met during their doorknock yesterday. More than 50 ACT State Emergency Service volunteers, and ACT Fire & Rescue and ACT Rural Fire Service staff doorknocked more than 1440 houses. It is important for all Canberrans to be prepared this bushfire season with a Bushfire Survival Plan and for more information visit www.esa.act.gov.au

The Health Directorate advises that people with asthma, other chronic respiratory and/or chronic cardiac diseases should not perform vigorous exercise and should stay inside if affected by the dust or smoke.

People with asthma in particular should continue their medication and consult their general practitioner if they have any difficulties. Residents are encouraged to continue to monitor local media and the ESA website for more information about this situation as it progresses.